From Baseball to Espionage
On December 18, 1944, Morris “Moe” Berg, a former Major League Baseball catcher, attended a lecture in Zurich, Switzerland, not as a curious student but on a mission. Tasked by the U.S. government, Berg was sent to assess and, if necessary, assassinate Werner Heisenberg, a German physicist leading Nazi Germany’s nuclear program. Armed with a gun and a cyanide pill, he attended the talk to determine if Heisenberg’s work could endanger the world.
Baseball’s Brainiest Player
Berg’s journey from baseball to espionage was unexpected. Despite an unremarkable playing career, he was fluent in several languages and well-educated, holding a degree from Princeton University. His intellect caught the attention of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor to the CIA, which recruited him during World War II.
A Decision in Zurich
Listening intently during the lecture, Berg was unsure of Heisenberg’s progress. Relying on the reactions of others in the room, he decided not to pull the trigger, believing that Germany’s nuclear program wasn’t close to succeeding.
Baseball Player Turned Spy ⚾️
From Baseball to Espionage
On December 18, 1944, Morris “Moe” Berg, a former Major League Baseball catcher, attended a lecture in Zurich, Switzerland, not as a curious student but on a mission. Tasked by the U.S. government, Berg was sent to assess… pic.twitter.com/fLGRyVnwwh— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 23, 2024